[orthodoc]

For the record, I find the whole concept of a talking Jesus doll objectionable.

That said, would people on this forum be writing posts like this about Allah or Mohammed dolls? Shiva dolls? Moses dolls?etc. Or would they find such posts objectionable based on the lack of respect shown for those who sincerely follow the Muslim, Hindu, or Jewish religions? I realize the idea is to sneer at the evangelicals, hopefully in terms of their trivialization of Jesus Christ, whom serious Christians acknowledge and avow to be both the Son of God and God. The posts, however, veer dangerously close to sneering at Christians and Christianity in general.

While there are some (many?) on the forum who do sneer at Christianity, I hope they believe in freedom of religion to the extent that they will tolerate others holding views different from their own. Civil debate is always a good thing. Egregious insults and intolerance of others are not.

I don't think this is an issue of separation of church and state. The Marines were offered a 'religious' item to give away at Christmas, which, yes, is a Christian holiday. (Just because lots of folks like to celebrate the original Pagan version doesn't mean Christmas isn't Christian.) They declined because they were worried about giving Jewish or Muslim kids a Jesus doll (and when did observant Jews and Muslims start lining up for Christmas presents? Anyone know?). As an observant Christian, I wouldn't be lining up for Eid al Fitr feasts or presents for my kids, nor for Hannukah presents, nor for Dhivali 'goodies'. Nothing against these holidays, I just don't celebrate them.

The company is now giving most of the dolls away directly to those who have requested them. The Marines may give some away - to those who want them. Am I understanding this correctly?

As I understand it, the government is not to establish any religion, i.e. force it on people or make it the official government religion. Marines giving away religious items to those who want them does neither.